More than 190 leading legislators and representatives from 27 countries will be in Bahrain this weekend to attend the executive council meeting and 16th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
Bahrain was announced as chair of the APA for 2026 at a meeting held last year in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event starts on tomorrow and runs until Wednesday and is being held under the theme: ‘The Role of Asian Parliaments in Promoting Dialogue Among Cultures and Civilisations: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Paths’.
It will be held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa.
“Bahrain hosting such a prestigious meeting, which includes parliamentary associations and unions in the Asian continent, reflects the kingdom’s pivotal role in strengthening and supporting parliamentary diplomacy,” said Parliament speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
He added the meetings will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in 2006 in Iran.
Bahrain will also chair a Gulf co-ordination meeting bringing together the heads of parliamentary delegations from the GCC to consult, discuss, and unify positions and policies on vital Asian issues at the event in Manama.
Mr Al Musallam noted that the gathering comes at a time of regional developments and challenges that require increased consultations and a unified parliamentary position to support stability, development and prosperity across Asia.
He noted the event’s conclusion coincides with the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence on January 28, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, and reflects Bahrain’s continued commitment to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
MP Ahmed Al Salloom said the agenda of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Sustainable Development at the APA includes a series of official and bilateral meetings, plenary sessions aimed at strengthening joint parliamentary exchange of legislative expertise.
In addition, topics include economic growth strategies, water sanitation in Asia, and promoting Halal economic policies to boost ties between nations.
APA includes parliaments from across Asia, such as China, India, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and many others, with 44 member parliaments and observer states.
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